As we enter the new year, many of us will be setting new challenges to kick off 2025 on the right foot. One of the most common January challenges is Dry January, where you do not consume a drop of alcohol until February 1st. After the festive period, a dry month sounds like a great idea to us.
Here at Karen Millen, we ordered a collection of zero proof spirits into the office and had everyone at KMHQ try them and give their honest thoughts. Dry January is a great idea that we can all get behind, but drinking diet cola all evening can get a little boring.
We set out to find which alcohol free spirits are the best, having never tried them before. Were there any surprise winners? Did any of the spirits inspire us to try more 0% options? Read on to find out what we thought about alcohol free gin, spiced rum, vodka, whiskey, and tequila.
Alcohol Free Gin
This spirit was one of the group’s favourites. Of course, gin is one of the more flavourful spirits, with its selection of carefully curated herbs and spices making for a fragrant taste experience. Alcohol free gin is no exception to this delicate yet striking flavour.
Before our first sip, we all noted that this spirit smelled very strongly of the herbal mix. Some noted that it smelled similar to coriander, whereas others commented on a fresh, cucumber scent. Sipping it neat, we were pleasantly surprised by how refreshing and light this alcohol free spirit is.
With a flavoured tonic or alcohol free prosecco, this would immediately elevate an alcohol free drink option. Alcohol free gin is a definite win from KMHQ, and we would recommend to add something new to your Dry January drink options.
Alcohol Free Spiced Rum
The 0% rum certainly divided the group, but generally we decided if it was mixed, it would certainly spice up any ordinary soft drink.
Drinking neat, the spiced rum is very subtle, with a spicy aftertaste. We would not recommend drinking it straight, but mixing with a cola mixer or a lemonade would definitely add a unique twist to an otherwise pedestrian alcohol free drink option.
This is also one of the zero proof spirits that tasted the most similar to its high percentage counterpart, so mix away and enjoy a grown up drink without the grown up headache the next day.
Alcohol Free Vodka
The alcohol free vodka really surprised us, mostly because it still somehow gave us the numb tingle that alcoholic vodka gives.
The taste is very delicate despite the alcoholic sensation on the tongue, so we collectively predicted that if mixed with a cola or lemonade, the flavour would be drowned out. Mixed with a more subtle mixer like soda water and lime, however, would create a very similar flavour to the alcoholic counterpart.
A very non-obtrusive, delicate, alcohol free spirit that would be easy to drink, adding a unique twist to your dry January drinks.
Alcohol Free Whiskey
Now, perhaps we made a mistake by having one of our Irish colleagues taste the whiskey, but we needed somebody who had some knowledge!
He noted that it smells like whiskey but tastes a little more fruity, more similar to a sherry. There are also vanilla and chocolate hints in the smell, but not in the taste.
It is a very subtle flavour, almost tasting diluted. You can taste the malt and the tang at the back of the throat like an alcoholic version, but it tastes more like a whiskey cordial. It would probably taste best mixed, whereas he usually enjoys his whiskey neat and room temperature.
Alcohol Free Tequila
Generally the favourite across the group was the zero proof tequila. Owned by Lewis Hamilton, this particular zero proof tequila was truly surprising. It had the smell and taste of vanilla, with a sour twist when sipped neat. It would also go well with soda and lime, or just poured over ice.
The bottle was beautiful and would be a welcome addition to any bar cart or liquor shelf. The most authentic looking bottle, with a very pleasant taste.
